In the absence of Marcus Rashford, Manchester United are left rather scarce in the strikers’ department. Many fans are calling for the club to bolster their goal-scoring options in the January transfer window.
As things stand, though, the priority for United is to strengthen in midfield, so Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to have to work with what he's got until Rashford returns later in the season.
Here, we make a case for Mason Greenwood being able to step in and ably deputise for Rashford.
If you’re good enough, you’re old enough
Leading the line at one of the biggest clubs in world football is no mean feat, especially at just 18 years old.
But this is something Rashford had experience of at such a tender age, and now Mason Greenwood attempts to step foot in his goal-scoring boots.
For all Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's shortcomings, it cannot be levelled at him that he does not give youth a chance.
Greenwood is one goal away from double figures in all competitions and is the most logical replacement for Rashford.
The stats back it up
When Solskjaer has given Greenwood a chance this season, he has excelled. Greenwood has four goals and two assists in five Europa League matches, and two goals and an assist in three Carabao Cup fixtures.
His Premier League record is just as impressive. On the face of it, Greenwood has only scored four goals in 18 Premier League appearances. But crucially, the forward has only played 431 minutes in these matches.
At his current rate, the 18-year-old is scoring just shy of a goal every 100 minutes – almost a goal a game.
A better option than Martial?
Following Anthony Martial’s below-par performances against Liverpool and Burnley, Greenwood could start United's next match, away to either Watford or Tranmere in the FA Cup fourth round, in his preferred number nine position.
Greenwood came as close as anybody to scoring against Burnley when his driven shot from outside the box flashed just past the post with United trailing 2-0.
Martial has scored just once in his last six games for United and was arguably the worst player on the pitch on Wednesday night. He would be fortunate to keep his place at the weekend.
